no longer a single girl

I put some late hours into making sure these mittens were finished on my wedding day, and I forgot to wear them on the way out of the church. I should find plenty of opportunities to wear them throughout the rest of the winter, though. We're experiencing some arctic weather here in Minnesota.



Even though the landscape can be stark during the winter, the sunrises and sunsets are vibrant flashes of color.



My sister made us a quilt as a wedding present. Her color choices remind me of a vibrant red sunset.



Mittens in process. I really underestimated the time involved in making these, but it also could have been the combination of trying to finish them in tangent with the holidays.

be merry

The wall of pictures behind our Christmas tree grows far faster than the presents stacked beneath it, which is very much in balance with how we see the holidays: as a time for family and friends.

Only a few more presentations and exams for me and then I'm off for the holidays to kick up my feet in the glittering snow (if we're lucky enough to get any here in Minnesota) and walk down the aisle at my wedding.

Lots of knitting to do. Lots of crafting, baking and gift-making.


My mother gave Garrett and I this owl ornament last season. She designed and made it herself. Each family got to choose their own ornament off of my parents' tree. I guess I always go for red.


Glass, glitter and candle light - what's on my coffee table at this very moment. Beside it is a steaming mug of mint tea and a soon-to-be finished sock for my soon-to-be husband.

in the spirit

We put our tree up a few weeks ago, but this is the first chance I've gotten to snap a photo of it. We cut it down ourselves - well, I guess I shouldn't say "we" Garrett did all the work - but I had a hand in selecting which tree to bring home.

I think we were surprised when we got it home and realized how short and squat it was, but it's good to have a tree with personality. (Right, Charlie Brown?)



Somehow, I've also found the time to cast on a few stitches . . . Hopefully this project will show up under the tree . . . that is if I can find enough time to knit in the days leading up to Christmas.


The yarn is Paton's Stripes, something I'd forgotten I had, but I rediscovered it along with our cat when she drug segments of it around the house and got it tangled around the legs of our furniture both upstairs and down. Better to knit it up into something useful.


This year we've got baskets of pine cones all around. Some of them will go for wedding decorations, others will be packed away for next year. I have a hard time tossing away a well-blossomed pine cone.

Hope your holiday is bright!

gifting

The days are getting chilly here in Minnesota. This morning we woke to temperatures in the low 20s. Colder weather is on its way. Today I bundled myself in wool before I walked to my train stop. Wool sweater, wool coat, wool hat.

The cap above is a gift for a newborn cousin. This pattern is simple and snugly, perfect for an infant in November.

november wind

We went up home this weekend to spend time with family and relax. We did get to spend the time with family, but there wasn't much relaxing that occurred. Not only was my parents' house packed with loved-ones and friends, but this was the weekend I set aside to do our wedding invitations.

Luckily there were lots of helping hands.

The project shown above was knit by my cousin Ashley using some yarn my mother spun. It was hand painted (using the guide of a 6 foot table for color segment length in four primary colors.)

The result is a lovely yarn that strips for hats or socks. This particular hat is for our little niece, Hannah. Nice work Ash and Mom.

witches instead of flowers

This is what happens when you don't water your plants for the entire month of October. The trick-or-treaters have enjoyed this display.

Happy Halloween everyone!

lace + wire lanterns

Late last week I went on a field trip that was long overdue for me. I visited the Minnesota Textile Center here in Minneapolis. My fiber buddies have been talking about the center for years, about its classes, its library, its collection of knowledge about Minnesota's textile heritage.

The place was not overrated. On my visit I found a wealth of opportunities for the fiber enthusiast . . . and when I have more time I plan on taking some of them myself.

These images are of an installation in the main gallery of the center by an artist named Kristina Fjellman. Her installation piece was a large orb of wire and lace lit from within. The textures of the fabric and the contrast between the fiber and metal combined to make a tactile and delicate piece that I wanted to hold in my hand and just stare into.

I wanted to study all of the patterns on the tiny ovals of fabric that were hand-stitched into this piece. Very well-crafted.